Call for Feedback Responses: Protecting the Independence and Integrity of Accredited CE
We've published an executive summary and the comments we received in response to our call for feedback about protecting the independence and integrity of accredited continuing education (CE). The ACCME and the Task Force on Protecting the Integrity of Accredited CE thank all of those who participated in the survey and in our discussions about updating the rules on independence to address the changing healthcare environment. We look forward to continuing to engage in dialogue with stakeholders at multiple forums. We expect to issue a revised version of the ACCME Standards for Commercial Support: Standards to Ensure Independence in CME Activities℠ (the Standards) for comment in early 2020.
Background
On January 22, 2019, the ACCME opened a call for feedback to review the rules that protect the integrity and independence of accredited CE for healthcare professionals. Respondents were asked for recommendations about potential revisions to the Standards that will ensure their continued relevance and effectiveness in the rapidly evolving healthcare environment. Respondents submitted their comments through an online survey. Responses were accepted through March 8, 2019. There were 141 respondents to the online survey; in addition, we received several responses via letters and emails.
To promote the call for feedback, the ACCME prepared a news release, video, and an Information package, including an introduction, the Standards and related policies, and the survey questions. The announcement was distributed by email blast to ACCME subscribers and was communicated through the ACCME newsletter; social media channels; ACCME events for Recognized Accreditors, providers, and volunteers; and other organizations’ events where ACCME staff presented. We sent individualized email invitations to national and international colleague accreditors in the health professions, certifying boards, government agencies, industry associations, and consumer and patient advocacy groups.
To gather more input, the ACCME conducted focused discussions with Recognized Accreditors, volunteer surveyors, the Accreditation Review Committee, and the Committee for Review and Recognition. We convened focus groups at the ACCME 2019 Meeting, and will hold discussions with the ACCME member organizations and our colleague accreditors in the health professions.
Additional Resources
Accreditation Council for CME Opens Call for Feedback about Protecting the Integrity and Independence of Accredited Continuing Education: This news release describes the call for feedback, background and purpose, Task Force on Protecting the Integrity of Accredited CE, and includes comments from leadership.
Call for Feedback PDF: Information package, including an introduction, the Standards and related policies, and survey questions.
Standards for Commercial Support Resources Webpage: Tips and tools about the Standards and related policies, including FAQ, videos, and examples of compliance and noncompliance.
Call for Feedback Commentary: Graham McMahon, MD, MMSc, President and Chief Executive Officer, describes the call for feedback.